WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management Exchange

Language Requirement: None

Academic Standing by Program Start: Junior or above

Location: Europe, Germany

GPA: 3.0

Program Overview

Continuously ranked among the top business schools in Europe and recognized as a leading business school in Germany, WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management offers a high caliber education with an international focus and access to professional development opportunities. WHU partners with over 150 universities worldwide, providing you a unique opportunity to interact and network with business students throughout the world.

WHU is located in Vallendar, about one hour from Cologne (Köln) and one hour from Frankfurt, known as the financial and business centers of Germany, respectively. Situated along the Rhine River, Vallendar is embedded in the Central Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage site and is surrounded by vineyards castles and historic towns.

Exchange programs differ from other study abroad options and require a high level of independence. University systems outside the US may differ from what you are used to at the UO, both in terms of academic structure and student services. Students most comfortable and successful in these types of programs typically have high levels of self-reliance, resourcefulness, and willingness to adapt to unfamiliar teaching styles and living arrangements.

Dates and Deadlines

Term	Year	Deadline	Arrival Date	Departure Date
Fall Semester	2027	02/01/2027	Late August	Late December
Academic Year	2027-28	02/01/2027	Late August	Early May
Spring Semester	2028	02/01/2027	Early January	Early May

The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements.

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

Hear from Our Students

International Business in Germany

Image Hello! I’m Kayleigh and I’m studying abroad in Germany with WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management. I chose this program because I wanted to… read more

Academic Details

WHU provides you with the opportunity to fulfill upper division business courses that can be applied toward major and minor degree requirements in the Lundquist College of Business. WHU offers top-level academic programs and is accredited by AACSB, EQUIS and FIBAA.

Course Availability:

Please review the course offerings for exchange students on WHU’s website using the "Course Search" link in the sidebar menu. You may need to use the current academic year’s course list as a guide for what might be available for the term you want to study at WHU.

You need to be flexible with choosing courses and have multiple back-up courses in case you do not get into your top choices. You are responsible for ensuring you meet any pre-requisites for courses at WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management.

Note: Students should consult with their UO academic advisor before submitting their course enrollment to WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management.

Credits:

WHU uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) which is a workload-based system for measuring and comparing study results. A typical fulltime course load at WHU is 30 ECTS per semester. This is typically seven to nine courses per semester.

ECTS credits are transferred to the UO at the rate of 1 ECTS credit = .75 UO quarter credits.

To maintain full-time student status at the UO while on a university exchange program, UO students need to earn at least 12 UO credits per UO term abroad.

Language of Instruction:

Exchange students at WHU have access to a variety of coursework available in English. There are a small number of courses taught in German, which students would need to provide proof of German language proficiency to enroll in coursework in German.

If you are interested in developing your German language ability, WHU offers free intensive German courses running through the semester. Although not required, past students have found the German language course at WHU helpful for navigating around Vallendar.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Housing Description

WHU offers exchange students support in finding accommodations. All exchange students receive a housing form with their acceptance at WHU, in which they can indicate their preferences. They will promptly receive a concrete proposal that takes into account both the available offer and personal wishes.

All apartments offered to international students by the Housing Office are fully furnished, and include a fitted kitchen. Bed linen and bath towels are also provided. Some apartments also include a shared washing machine, whereas some landlords offer a washing service. Most apartments are designed for singles, comprising a bed/living room with a single bed or sofa bed, kitchen/kitchenette and bathroom.

For detailed information regarding the different housing options, please visit: http://www.whu.edu/housing (opens in new window).